Dean Kelch
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 – 4:00pm tours, 7:00 pm lecture
SEE IMPORTANT SCHEDULE AND LOCATION NOTES BELOW

The meeting this month will be held at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek- Directions.

It will be preceded by private tours of the Garden (4pm), nursery shopping (5pm), and time to eat (6pm).

The club will provide pizza, snacks, and drinks, but feel free to bring your own food for yourself or to share.

The lecture will start promptly at 7pm, earlier than usual. There will not be a zoom broadcast or recording

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Program Description

California has long been a pioneer in the creation of cactus and succulent gardens. The first notable examples emerged in the 1880s, setting a precedent for similar gardens in warm climates worldwide. This rich tradition continues to evolve, with California garden designers incorporating these sculptural and striking plants into innovative and breathtaking landscapes.

This special presentation explores the evolution of these unique California gardens over time. We will also take a closer look at an historic 100 year old Moroccan cactus and succulent garden that offers new ideas and approaches for California landscapes today.

About our Speaker

Throughout his diverse career, Dean Kelch has been deeply engaged with plants, both wild and cultivated. He earned his Masters’ degree and PhD in Botany from the University of California, Davis, and his Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of Michigan. During his tenure as a Researcher and Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, he co-authored Flora of the Carquinez Strait Region. A lifelong horticultural enthusiast, he has been growing succulents since high school.

His professional experiences includes serving as Director of the Ruth Bancroft Garden, where our meeting this month is being held. He has also held key positions such as State Weed Coordinator, Primary State Botanist, and President of various non-profit organizations, including the San Francisco Succulent and Cactus Society, the California Botanical Society, and the Crockett Community Foundation.

Currently, Dean serves as Environmental Programs Lead at the California Department of Food & Agriculture and is a Research Associate at the University of California, Berkeley. He grows succulents in Crockett, CA, where he is engaged in a heroic struggle against the depredations of rats.

Show & tell table: No show ant tell this month

Featured grower: TBA

Snack table:, There will be a shared spread, but we suggest bringing something every couple of months if you partake regularly. As a thought, we are often short on drinks. 

Covid precautions: We will keep doors open to ensure adequate ventilation. This can make the room a bit chilly, so dress appropriately.

Meeting Agenda

4:00 Private tours of the Garden from Brian and Walker
5-6:00 Garden Nursery will be open for shopping
6-7:00 Mingling and food
7:00 Program will start promptly at 7, earlier than usual
9:00 Event is over and all guests out.

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